FSU QB Coker To Alabama Made Official

Jameis Winston's backup, Jacob Coker, will transfer to Alabama and could start for the Tide this fall. Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images.

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As expected, Alabama announced that Florida State quarterback Jacob Coker plans to transfer to the Crimson Tide and be eligible to play this fall, the team announced Sunday.

Coker will receive a degree from Florida State after the current spring semester. With two years of eligibility, he's the favorite to win a quarterback competition with many participants, though he'll have to prove he's a quick learner. AJ McCarron's backup Blake Sims and four-star recruit David Cornwell are the strongest options to top the depth chart before Coker arrives.

“We think a lot of Jake and we are excited to have him join our team,” head coach Nick Saban said in a statement. “He is not only an outstanding football player, but he is also a fine young man who we feel will be a great fit with our program at Alabama.”

Most of what we know about Coker is through reports of high praise by Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston and a few quotes about his arm strength from an assistant coach. But Saban, who has worked with FSU coach Jimbo Fisher before, likely got some reliable information from his former offensive coordinator, who will have Winston back for at least another year.

Alabama replaces NFL talent on an annual basis, but finding someone to replicate the most decorated quarterback in its history is not a usual occurrence. If Coker proves to be the Tide's best option, it will make a huge difference in Alabama's chances to win the SEC West in 2014.

“I was very impressed with everything on my visit to Tuscaloosa,” Coker said in a statement. “I feel very comfortable with the coaches and the players, and I’m looking forward to getting started at Alabama and competing. I also want to thank my coaches and teammates at Florida State. I had a great experience there and I’m excited to build on that at Alabama.”

The announcement comes one day after five-star quarterback Ricky Town, a 2015 recruit, de-committed from Alabama in favor of USC.